Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2004 21:07:51 -0500 From: Paul Daventon Subject: Dukes of Windsor/Dukes-of-Windsor-23 Disclaimer: This story concerns mainly homosexual men and their lives, relationships and sexual activities. It was inspired only by my visions and invention. This tale is entirely fictional. If there are any similarities to actual people, places or events, it is purely coincidental. If you are under 18 or if reading this story would be illegal for you in your area or if you don't like the subject matter, please leave now. Always be SAFE. Otherwise read on and I hope you enjoy. The Dukes of Windsor Copyright 2004 by Paul H. Daventon. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author. If you are enjoying this story, write to me at dukesofwindsor@juno.com When you write, please put "Dukes" or "Dukes of Windsor" in the Subject line so I concentrate on story email. Thanks, Paul. * * * * * THANK YOU I'd be remiss if I didn't thank David and Allen for editing the chapters of this story. They have made the writing smoother, more correct and easier to read.. Thank you guys so much for your help and your encouragement, keeping me on the path. Love you forever. Paul Daventon AUTHOR'S NOTE: The Dukes and Duchess of Windsor has 38 chapters and the story is finished. I will put a chapter on each week if all goes well. P.D. * * * * * ================ Chapter Twenty-three ================ The bedroom was dark, lit only by a small lamp near the couch and table, when Brian walked in, silently closing the door. He first looked at the bed where he found Ted stretched out, seemingly asleep. He was obviously naked with a part of the sheet pulled up to just above his hips. Brian smiled to see him, so damn cute and desirable he would easily trash any priest's sacred vows. The younger man, Brian, felt a tingling in his groin, signs of his erotic potency revealing itself. 'I'd better calm down, I'm going to need all my strength tonight,' he thought. He moved to the couch and undressed completely, even his bikini brief's that Mike loved so much. But before getting into bed, he required a shower. Softly on the carpet in his bare feet Brian crept to the bathroom where he quietly shut the door. In the bedroom Ted was lying motionless, barely breathing, his nerves nearing overload. He was not asleep, he'd heard Brian come in the room. He was scared, frightened of this man who was 2 years younger. He had an idea that Brian might like him, though he couldn't believe it. Hell, Brian had a half billion dollars, knew all sorts of important people and had power few other men had. He could have anyone he wanted . . . for sex or love or anything. Ted heard the shower start, knowing it would soon shut off and Brian would return to the bedroom. He was stiff with fright, shaking with dread, but still strangely excited by the reality of sleeping in the same bed with Brian Whitlow. 'What would he do? Would he try to hit on me?' When he heard the shower cut off, Ted changed his position trying to relax his muscles which had become stiff. The bathroom door opened, and even though Ted's eyes were closed, he knew exactly where Brian was every moment. He was shaking and shivering a little, but mainly worked up over his visions of that evening with Brian. Brian noted the Ted had moved, though he still did not know if he was asleep or awake. When he was in the shower, he couldn't resist caressing his cock with gentle fingers feeling every bump and vein on the surface under the soapy foam. By the time he was back in the bedroom, his body was preceded by a large, stiff cock which softly throbbed as he walked to the bed. Pulling down the sheet on his side of the bed, Brian carefully slid onto the mattress, naked and just as excited as Ted but from a different point of view. He wanted to hold Ted so badly, just hold him so he wasn't alone in the bed. But he didn't want to scare Ted. He couldn't know that Ted was frightened of not being held. The young multi-millionaire tried to relax and maybe get to sleep, though he knew inside it was impossible. He whispered softly. "Ted, are you awake?" No answer or any movement came from Ted's side of the wide bed. "Ted, if you are awake, please answer, I'd like very much to talk to you." Brian had turned on his left side facing Ted. "I do think right now that you need me." He wondered if he was getting too presumptuous with the young man. A soft, searching reply came, "I ... I ... I'm ... I'm .... awake, Brian." Brian reached one hand toward Ted, "Here's my hand, Ted, would you hold it?" Ted opened his eyes and searched for Brian in the darkness. Slowly he turned onto his right side, extending his left hand toward Brian's. They connected. Brian could feel the shaking in Brian's hand, communicating his nervousness and fear. "Ted, I do want to be with you. What I or you do is up to you, your choice. Please don't be afraid, of me or of anything. If nothing else, I will protect you, I will safeguard you, I promise." Ted murmured, "But," he started and stopped, "but aren't you married, Brian?" That question startled Brian, yet he needed to answer Ted. "You know my partner, Mike Keith? I wasn't sure. Yes, we are married in our way and will always be so. Mike, as you know, is a congressman and spends most of his time in Washington so I get very lonesome even with the friends I have in River City. I used to have friends in Arlington, Virginia and Washington, but I've been away so long. You might wonder about those in River City. They are good friends, but I couldn't be with any of them, you know, it wouldn't be right." "I'm sorry, Brian. You are so young and have to make so many difficult decisions. I don't envy you, no matter how many hundreds of millions you have." Again Brian was startled. So Ted knew about his wealth. Well, maybe that won't get in the way, I hope. "Ted, would you let me hold you? Let us feel our bodies against each other?" Slowly, Ted slid across the sheets to come to rest against Brian's wealth of muscles, equally as important as his money. Brian wrapped his arms around Ted, his shoulders and his buttocks, pulling him to his substance of skin, flesh and bones. Soon Ted relaxed, began to feel he was in a good place and similarly placed his arms and hands around Brian. "Oh, Teddy, that feels so good. Don't be afraid, man, we're together because we want to be. I hope you feel as good as I do." Ted put his cheek against Brian's, moaning softly, steadily, "Oh, Bri, you feel so good. I don't understand how I can be so close to you, you are so important, influential and powerful. I feel so common and regular, nothing special." Suddenly, Brian turned onto his back, pulling Ted on top of him, still holding tight. He moved his hands down Ted's back to cup his buttocks tenderly. "My dear Teddy, you are a wonder. No matter if I have power or influence, I'm just me, just a 19 year old young man who hasn't even finished college yet. Someday, when we can be together again, I will tell you my life story if you want." Ted held up his head over Brian's, smiling, "I'd love that, Bri, more than anything." He slowly lowered his lips to Brian's, wiping them together softly. "For now I'd just love for you to kiss me and maybe do some other things with me." "You're on, Teddy." * * * * * About a half hour later, Matt and Hardy were still in the office looking over the plans for the new music building, trying to outdo each other in finding especially good ideas that the Montoni twins had built into their plans. They were surprised to have Brian walk in, absolutely naked, with a brilliant smile on his face, actually all over his body. Brian asked "Have you guys found all the goodies?" Both Matt and Hardy stared at Brian, but Matt suggested that they probably hadn't. Brian bent over the easel, his big cock, still slightly swollen, landing on Matt's back. "How about this?" He pointed to a certain spot near the bank of offices. "This is the master control room for the audio-visual system all over the building. It will hold a few dozen monitors which will make controlling the systems so easy. "Oh, man, that's great," Hardy responded, "That will save a lot of time and energy." Matt smirked at Brian, "And did you find all the goodies a little earlier?" Brian had the sensitivity to blush all over. He did smile, a little embarrassed, "Yes, thank you, friends, I certainly did." A rap on the door jamb interrupted their teasing. "Bri, I was wondering when you were coming back?" Stark naked, Ted looked like a little boy whose toy had been taken away, slightly pouting but with a sexual glow from his whole body and a still plumped up cock. Brian didn't laugh, though he felt he might, but walked over to Ted, "Come here, my good friend, you know our hosts." Ted was really embarrassed, standing naked in front of Brian whose arms were wound around him, holding him close. "Hi," was Ted's only response as we looked bashfully at the two men. Ted had had sex with Matt, but not Hardy and felt so totally exposed to him. Within a minute he felt more embarrassed yet when he felt Brian's big cock filling and arousing, pushing into the cleft between his buttocks. He only wanted to leave and go back to bed. He quickly swung around to face Brian, showing his hot bubble butt to them, but also hiding Brian's huge erection. With his eyes and expression he tried to tell Brian what he wanted. Brian smiled broadly and turned around himself. "Okay, little man, we'll go back to bed. I really thought you were asleep for the night." He knelt down, "Hop on my back, Teddie, I'll get you there in a flash." He turned his head toward Matt and Hardy, smiling guiltily but excitedly, pleading for their understanding. Ted jumped on Brian's strong back, wrapping his arms and legs around his lover. "Giddee up," he yelled. SMACK! SMACK! Ted had slapped Brian's butt, twice, to get him going. "Watch your head," Matt hollered. * * * * * Just a few minutes later Brian and Ted had reoccupied their bed, lying nakedly close together in full length. Ted rolled on top of Brian, holding him tight. "Brian, I've never come like I did when you sucked me." He shuddered, smoothing Brian's blond curls, finding quickly that they couldn't be smoothed. "I'm still coming down from that high, man, how did you ever learn to do that." Brian thought a moment, "Well, little man, I may tell you some day if it's okay with him." He doubted if Adam would want him to tell others, but he might change Adam's mind." He held Ted's head in his strong hands, raising his own head so his lips brushed Ted's. "You are my little man, Teddie, do you mind?" "Not at all, Bri, I love it. Just as I .... I ... as I love you," he finished in a rush and hid his face in Brian's shoulder. Then he ruined the whole effect by giggling self-consciously. Brian immediately stuck his tongue right through Ted's lips, searching for his tongue. They seriously kissed, invading each other's mouth, seeking tongue, gums, teeth and cheeks, all the time grinding their bodies into each other while sharing fluids and breath. Ted broke away after a few minutes, "Bri, I want to suck your dick, I didn't get to do it when you did mine, and I want to, please Bri?" "Teddy, my little man, I'm staying for a few days and we'll be together whenever you don't have classes." He spanked both of Ted's buttocks, hard. "And you will NOT skip classes. Got that, Little Man?" He broke up into deep laughs, roaring at his own ferocity. Ted finally saw the humor, little as it was, and laughed right into Brian's mouth. He sobered and said quietly, "Bri, I need you, I need your cock up my ass. I can do it, just ask Matt." Brian nodded, "I know, he told me earlier, just so I would know I wouldn't hurt you if we did it." Brian's cock had grown to its extreme height above his crotch, long and huge, blushing in its arousal, slowly drooling his precum out the smiling slit, glistening in the low light down the sides. Brian asked, "Teddy, would you get the lube in my little bag on the bathroom sink?" "Now, spread it on my cock, my cock is yours tonight, Teddy, and stuff a bunch up your asshole." Ted followed directions, using one hand to spread the KY on the mammoth cock standing straight up, hardly swaying, yet throbbing, making it slick as ice. Ted turned around, facing Brian's feet where he started to suck his toes, one by one, handed the lube to Brian and pushed his butt in his face. "You do it, Bri, please, squeeze it into my hole, get me ready." Brian caressed Ted's buttocks vigorously then pulled them apart to reveal Ted's pinkish anus and surrounding areola, wrinkled-like pursed lips. He sniffed, then got his head closer and sniffed again. He couldn't resist and stuck his face in Ted's anal canyon, then ran his tongue over the ditch and the winking anus. "Hot damn, Teddy," Brian yelled, laughing at the same time, "what the hell did you do to your asshole, man, what is it?" He continued slavering Ted's ass with saliva, licking from top to bottom on Ted's perineum. "It tastes like strawberries." And Brian roared again. Ted had started to giggle, then broke out in laughs, roaring until he couldn't breathe and fell on his side. "Bri, I .... thought ...." pant, pant, "I'd make ... it ... smell and taste ... better," he muttered, while gulping, hiccupping until he was almost hysterical. "Brian," he squeezed out of his throat, "I'm sorry, I ... didn't think ... I ..." Ted was losing it and started to cry softly into the sheets. He felt embarrassed and stupid. 'He never should have tried that', he sobbed to himself. "Oh, baby, don't, it's all right, Teddy, it's okay and I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I'd just never known anyone who did that." Ted's butt was still up in the air, his head on the sheet, when Brian draped his body on top of Ted, "Anyway, how did you know I loved strawberries?" Ted quieted, Brian's arms around him, his flesh against his. He sniffed, "I didn't know, Bri," he hiccupped and burped together, then started to giggle again, letting his body fall completely to the mattress. Brian followed him down, lying totally on his back, and whispered in his ear. "Teddy, that was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me, you can bet that I won't ever forget you no matter how far or how long we are apart." He tried to be completely serious. "Do you think we can pick up where we left off?" He bent over to lick Ted's nearest ear, winding his tongue around the peaks and valleys. "Bri, please, just put some stuff in my asshole, then stick your cock up my butt. Right here and now." Brian found the tube, spread Ted's cheeks and squeezed the tube so the lube was forced into his rectum. He did take two of his fingers to help ease Ted's hole open, then added another finger. "Bri, it's okay, it's okay, I'm ready. Put your big cock inside me, please. I need it." Brian's hot, hard cock was ready, too, so he pressed the head against the tiny rosebud of Ted's rear. Holding Ted's shoulder and his cock and pushing gradually harder with his pelvis, the head sank inside. It was so hot, so scalding on his poker's flesh, but so smooth and slick, the sphincter gave way easily. Ted shuddered, his limbs twitching and spasming, as he accepted Brian into his body, his soul and mind. "Oh, god, Bri, that's so good, I almost shot when you first got in, now take me all the way, man. I love your big cock, I wish I could keep it there forever." Brian lay on top of Ted, using his elbows to keep most of his weight off the smaller man, kissing Ted as he turned his head to the side. The pressure of Ted's buttocks against Brian's groin and their cushy solidity came and went, on and off as Brian drove his big cock into Ted's rectum and hot bottom. That pressure sent extra shocks to feed Brian's sexual appetite and radiated throughout his body, his nerves and emotions. The length and thickness of Brian's cock was just right for Ted's ass and he was enjoying the friction on his asshole and the slickness of the prick inside his rectum. The escalating fervor in his body stirred his juices, his cock was dripping pre-cum on the sheets, his anal juices got even hotter and he drooled a bit onto the pillow. Brian felt he was plumbing new depths in Ted's ass, striking the mother lode of precious flesh so dear to him. The head of his cock felt the softness and velvet smoothness in his rectum, bringing him to his peak, sending electrical shocks into his own system of erotic energy. He soon felt the pressure and tingling at the base of his crotch where his extreme ecstatic desires and total hunger for his 'little man' who had taken his heart so swiftly. Ted had begun to lift his pelvis to meet Brian's thrusts, relaxing when he withdrew almost all the way. For a few moments, Brian just left his cockhead inside Ted's sphincter, pushing and pulling just a little to give his glans penis extra sensations and arousing titillations of lust. Suddenly, Brian knew he was cumming. "Teddy, hon, I'm cumming very soon, cum with me babe." He got his hands under Ted's chest, squeezing his tits and holding them tighter together. He speeded up his plunges into his depths as Ted also stayed with Brian shoving up his ass until they both froze, their limbs straining as their semen was propelled through their cocks and into Ted's body and onto the sheets under Ted. After holding each other tightly, letting their bodies relax against them, Brian slowly slid to one side of Ted, unwilling to let go of his sexual focus on the 'little man'. Their faces turned to meet and lips connected, tongues met inside, dueling rapidly, striking like a snake. "Oh, man, Teddy, that was so great. I love you, babe, and you will always be my favorite lover. I'm IN love with Mike and all that goes with it, but I love you, too. Is that crazy to you?" Ted just hugged Brian's fantastic body to him, "Bri, you are my only lover and I will take you whenever I can." Brian and Ted stood up and remade the bed. Both decided without words to take another shower together. They walked to the bathroom, side by side, arms around each other, in complete ecstacy and devotion, one tall man well muscled and thrilling, one shorter, smaller man, also well muscled but not large. * * * * * Hardy was still in their office after Matt left to get to bed, he didn't feel a need to join him at the time. Looking at the drawings of the new music building, Hardy spotted a few places which he thought should be changed, mostly for convenience and fewer traffic jams in the halls. He had been listing all the rooms, their size and location. Since he knew the organization of the music department, he was able to judge the efficiency and efficacy of the basic design. The twins, Tony and Ricco, in their new offices in Columbus had worked out a super scheme for the building. Basically, they didn't want to take money from Brian for the design, but he finally convinced them that he was going to pay somebody and it might as well be them. And anyway, they were sort of family, too. Hardy stretched his neck to relax the muscles when he spotted Roger coming up the hall to his and Todd's bedroom. Instantly he remembered Matt telling him about friction between him and Todd, so that if he got a chance he should try to find out from Roger what the problem was. Matt had already told Hardy what he had learned from Todd about it. In a loud whisper Hardy called, "Hey, Roger, come in a minute and shut the door." Roger nodded and slowly entered the room, not looking at all happy or contented. Hardy pointed to the chair beside him, smiling at Roger. The smile wasn't returned. Matt's lover put his hand on Roger's shoulder, holding tightly to the thick muscle, trying to send a message to Roger that this was something serious. "Roger," Hardy started, getting Roger's attention, "my friend, you look lower than a snake's asshole." He moved so he could put his arm around the younger man's shoulder. "Can you tell me what the problem is? I've helped you before, and hope that I can again. Maybe?" Roger looked down at his hands in his lap. "I don't think so, Hardy, this time. You have been a big help and I appreciate it very much. But this time," he hesitated, "it has just gone too far, I don't think it can be fixed." Hardy hugged Roger more solidly, "My dear friend, we have shared a lot together, haven't we?" Roger nodded his head. "So can't you share this with me?" The young man stayed quiet, "I don't think so, Hardy." 'Were you at fault, Rog?" "No!" The word came back to Hardy vehemently, no question about it. "Are you saying it was Todd's fault?" "Absolutely!" Hardy decided to try another tactic. "Rog, will you listen to me a bit?" Reluctantly, Roger nodded his head, "I guess." "I've never told anyone about what I'm telling you. Not even Matt." Hardy said," Please don't tell anyone, okay?" "Sure, Hardy," Roger answered. "I had a lover before Matt. It was during my freshman year in college and I was put in a dorm room with a senior because of a lack of rooms. It was fine for a while, but then Greg began to come on to me." He closed his eyes, remembering. "He would touch me, oh, on the back or shoulder, maybe a pat on the butt as I moved by. Nothing sexual, really, just a little disturbing to me." "Greg loved walking around our room completely naked, his balls and prick waving back and forth while he moved. Our room door was always locked so he had time enough to slip on a pair of shorts. I tried not to pay any attention to him, but he had the biggest dick I'd ever seen. Even soft it was at least 5 inches long. Once, I'd just awakened and hadn't stirred much, hardly had my eyes open. Greg knew I was slow to wake up and often just jumped out of his bed to our bathroom. He always slept naked, too, not even wearing shorts. His hard cock had to be over seven inches. "Late at night, if he thought I was already asleep when he got in bed, he'd push down his blankets, if any, and jerk off fiercely to a roaring climax, cum all over his chest and abdomen, even on his face and head sometimes. After he came, he'd check to see if I was awake, but I always had my eyes closed. "The only time I would masturbate was when I knew he was in class. I wasn't going to be as obvious as he was." Hardy thought back, "If I'm going to be truthful, Roger, I'd have to say I'd often thought of having sex with him. I'd played around with guys in high school, mainly circle jerks or just jacking ourselves when we having a party at somebody's house, never touched another guy." He started quickly, "But don't imagine I didn't think about it. I'm not a puritan or anything. "Early in the Spring, I woke up in the middle of the night and realized that someone was sucking my cock and I was near to a climax. Of course it was Greg, being as quiet as possible. I didn't know what to do, just let him do it or say something. Hey, I'd never had my cock sucked before. I was in sexual heaven, the feelings had me in a trance, practically out of my head, so I couldn't say anything. Another minute or two of his fantastic sucking, I shot stream after stream of cum in his mouth, my body convulsing, my limbs taut. "He ate it all, every drop of my hot, steamy juices down his throat. I couldn't believe it, but wondered what I should do then." "As I found my voice, I said, 'Do you want me to do you, Greg?'" I guess I want to seem 'with it' to my hot roommate. "Greg gasped in shock, he'd thought I was asleep. He stuttered. 'Yeah, sure, Hardy.'" "Now, Roger, you have to understand, I had never sucked a cock before. But, I had taken note of what he did on my cock, and thought I could do it. "Actually, I guess I did pretty good, his cum was in my mouth within a couple minutes. And there was another dilemma, what to do with the cum. I knew Greg swallowed mine, so I did the same." "The big problem came when I was talking with one of my high school friends who was attending the same college and we were drinking beer in my room. We'd been really good buddies and had told each other most everything. "Well, after a few beers I told this friend that I had sucked my roommate's cock. My friend knew Greg and had seen his cock in the locker room. He said, 'Geez, Hardy, how did you ever get it in your mouth. He must be huge.' At the point I started to get worried that I'd told him, but I couldn't take it back, so I just shrugged my shoulders. "Up to this point Greg and I had been on good terms, we had sex a lot and even talked about staying together after his graduation. Then, another friend of Greg's blabbed that he'd heard that I had sucked Greg's cock. Big trouble. Greg had not come out to anyone, not one person, just me. Now he was out to everybody. Naturally he was really pissed at me, I had just ruined his rep at the college. He knew that obviously I was the one who blabbed. He left to stay somewhere off campus, graduated and I never saw him again. "Roger, I apologized many times and in many ways before he left, I did everything I could for him, but it was too late. I'd lost him. I thought my life was over. "Was your problem worse than that, Roger, between you and Todd?" Roger looked embarrassed, he spoke very quietly, "No, Hardy, nothing like that." "Can't you tell me," Hardy laughed, "I've bared my soul to you." Roger smiled, "I'm sorry, Hardy, I've been stupid." Roger told Hardy all that Matt had previously disclosed. "I'm so sorry that I lost sight of our relationship, and accused Toddy of hurting me. He never did anything bad. I felt he embarrassed me, I was just stupid. What can I do, man, I'm at a loss." "Come here, Roger." Hardy stood up, put his arm around Roger and pulled him to the door. Holding him close, Hardy said, "What you have to do is get on your knees, walk on your knees to Todd in your room and beg for his forgiveness, and I mean beg! You'll probably have to keep it up all night, or most of it." He smiled, "A few tears would do a lot for your cause, man, I think you should be able to realize what you've done, and be truthfully repentant. Right?" Roger looked as if he could dredge up plenty of tears. "Thank you, Hardy. I owe you some more." He turned and kissed Hardy on the lips, hard, as they had before in River City. Roger started out the door and Hardy smacked him on his butt, "Go git him, cowboy," He watched Roger get to his door, turn the handle and drop to his knees. 'Go far, so good,' Hardy thought to himself. When he noticed that Roger had left his door ajar, he tiptoed and peeked in. Hardy watched, unnoticed and unrepentant, as Roger pleaded with Todd for forgive him, forgive his stupidity. Todd held out for some solemnly promised sexual highs very soon, in fact, before they even went to sleep, but he finally gave in as Roger apologized, actually cried on cue. He even had Todd crying with him as they stripped each other, stopping fairly often to kiss certain body parts. Todd also wanted breakfast in bed the next morning. And he pouted a little. Hardy made his hard cock more comfortable in his tight pants as he headed for his bed and his lover, Matt. He was also thinking of how well their 'family' kept together throughout friction and misunderstandings but surviving with devotion, love and loyalty. * * * * * The next day most of the residents of the Dukes Ranch house had to be ready to get to work. Anne and the little boys were leaving for Columbus for some doctors' appointments, clothes buying for the summer and some museums and carnivals to enjoy. Of course, Matt, Hardy, Roger and Ted needed to be at the college very soon. Steve and Gary worked on the Ranch, Gary in his computer office and Steve in his studio, the old dairy barn. He had been taking charge of supervising the construction of the indoor/outdoor swimming pool with help from Gary since they were on location all the time. This morning no one saw Todd and Roger or Ted and Brian. Since Anne took the little boys to Columbus, Todd wasn't required to be their "Nanny". After Roger's apology, Todd was so happy that he hadn't had to go to Columbus with Anne and the boys and they could sleep in. By the time Ted and Brian had gone to sleep the previous night after their marathon run of sex, each had decided to sleep in and get up in time for brunch at noon. Ted figured that Matt would give him some leeway, let him miss rehearsal one time. Brian had planned to look up Steve and ask for that tour of his studio. When Ted and Brian did wake up, they were still nestled together, Ted half on top of Brian since he was the bigger. Brian woke first and so enjoyed the feeling of Ted's smaller, hot body on his own. Ted's leg was pulled up with his knee on Brian's crotch, actually on top of his huge hard cock. Ted's cock was pushed into Brian's side, trying to bore a hole there. Brian tried not to move so he wouldn't wake Ted. Steve and Gary had been up since seven, getting showered, dressed and ready for their day. Of course there had been a lot of kissing, hugging and feeling which slowed down their activities to a crawl sometimes. Gary was playing 'Mama' and fixing breakfast for he and Steve, just toasted waffles with strawberries and strawberry syrup topped with Cool Whip. Steve's eyes widened when his plate was served, then he got into a clinch with Gary before he'd let Gary sit in front of his own plate. "Gary, this is so great, strawberries and such. We ought to fix this for Brian and Ted, when and if they get up." Gary laughed, "I never knew your brother was a matchmaker, or maybe I should say 'pimp'?" "Oh, shall we be a little catty, shall we, missy? Let's not be crass or tasteless, he was just helping out two friends, and partly thanking Brian for the music building designs." * * * * * Steve was sitting in the kitchen when a humbled Brian appeared in the doorway. He turned to look at their billionaire, hung over by his sexual escapades last night. He smiled. "Good morning, Brian," he snickered. "Where is your buddy, Ted?" Brian gave a nasty look at the snickerer, but tried to pull himself together. "Morn', Steve. Everybody gone to work?" He slouched over to the counter where he put his butt on a tall chair. "How about I get you some breakfast?" He poured Brian a mug of coffee, plus a glass of water and two aspirin tablets. "Work on this, Brian, and I'll have your plate ready in a minute." Brian obeyed Steve. He was soon beginning to feel a little better. "Steve, I can tell you that I'm pooped. My 'little man' really took me to the cleaners, and he's got a vacuum for a mouth. And his cock isn't that big, but it doesn't stop to rejuvenate. He's insatiable! And, damn, he's older than I am." Brian groaned, "I don't know how he can keep it up." "Where is he, Brian?" Brian looked fierce, "He's still in bed. He said he may sleep all day." "Didn't either of you sleep at all last night?" Steve was jealous, but still loved his Gary. Brian drank some coffee, blowing on the hot liquid, "I doubt it, but who knows." Steve wasn't very sympathetic, "Maybe you ought to go up and go to sleep with Ted." "Oh no, no way. I'm not going to let that guy at my dick or ass for at least eight hours. He's damn near ruined me." He saddened, "I'll never be able to tell Mike about Ted, he'll want to come over and try him out." He laughed then, "Ted would wear both of us out at the same time." Steve set another plate like his own breakfast, toasted waffles with strawberries and strawberry syrup, plus the whipped cream. Brian took one look at the strawberries and screamed, "No, no, not strawberries." He started laughing, "Steve, guess what Ted did before we had sex. I couldn't believe it. He douched with strawberry flavored douche and when I licked his ass for the first I fell over laughing. But I did praise him, though, because that's my favorite flavor." A loud voice from the doorway, "Somebody is telling tales out of school. Steve, Brian loved what I put on my asshole. He did." He giggled, "And I love him." Ted threw his arms around Brian's chest, kissing his neck and holding him close. "Oh, geez, why don't you guys go back to your room. You're too gross for early morning." Ted piped up, "I'll go after a breakfast like he's having. Strawberries are now my favorite fruit." He laughed, "And this fruit is what I got." He swung Brian's head around and pried his mouth open so he could tongued the food out of it. "Mmmm, that is good." He brightened, "I'll have just what he's having." * * * * * An hour later Ted was back in bed, but Steve and Brian were touring Steve's studio in the old dairy barn. The new floor had been finished two months before and Steve had designed his own interior, work space and display area. While looking at the few bits of sculpture, Brian noticed a full size photo of young Matt's statue hanging on the wall. Another photo of the same size but of a rear view hung next to the first one. "Oh, god, Steve, that is the most beautiful sculpture I have ever seen. What a wonderful flow of movement, the marble is gleaming, shining as brightly as the countenance of the boy. Who was the model, Steve?" The older man smiled mysteriously, "Don't you recognize him, Brian?" Brian studied the prints from all angles, "No, I don't, Steve, should I?" "That is none other than a young Matthew Bunker Ridgway.. Now do you see it?" "How old was he then?" "He was 13 years old and I was 16. I took a picture of him when he didn't know I was there. I sculpted the statue last year, but sold it for a bunch of money. Matt agreed that I could exhibit the statue, so I did. The buyer offered me so much money I couldn't refuse. And I got a lot of publicity." Brian was still studying the photo and 'humming' from time to time. "Oh, damn, I should have recognized those buttocks, they have Matthew written all over them." Steve couldn't help a little snicker, visualizing Matt's name written on his buttocks. "Where is the statue now? Did you sell it?" "Matt said it was so good I should exhibit it. It did win a number of awards, usually Best In Show. Then a man offered me so much money I sold it. I've regretted that ever since." "Who bought the statue, Steve?" "It was a Douglas Jones of Columbus. I think he's a lawyer." After saying that, Steve told himself he shouldn't have. 'Oh,' he thought, 'hell, if Brian wants the piece so badly, he can afford to get it, I'm sure.' "Wait a minute, Brian," Steve was searching around in his desk, "Aha, here is his card, you can have it." He was sure that Brian would be on the phone to Columbus as soon as he could. "Brian, would you sit down a minute, then I'll give you the tour." Brian sat on the couch Steve had in his office and Steve sat beside him. "Brian, I am very worried about Matt. From what I have learned, the shooting of the driver in River City was more probably a tactic against Matt rather than you. Is that right?" With a somber expression on his face Brian agreed with Steve. "Yes, Steve, we've come to that conclusion, too. But we can't figure out why someone would be after Matt. The only enemies he has that I know of would be Dr. Powers at the college or, sorry to say, your mother. And, if it is your mother, why Matt and not you?" Leaning forward with his elbows on his knees and his fingers rubbing over his face, Steve nodded. "Yes, I've thought the same thing, Brian." He paused, "You've forgotten one person who might be considered an enemy. That's Victor Whinery, the former instructor, who is still somewhere in the area. But you didn't know of him." Brian put his arm around Steve's shoulders, holding him close. He kissed Steve's cheek and said, "I'm sure we will figure this all out before anything traumatic happens." He pressed his cheek against Steve's and felt the wetness of his tears. "It's going to be okay, Steve," and he wrapped both arms around his friend. A loud voice from the doorway, "The minute my back is turned and you go making out with someone else." Ted had gotten up finally and made it to the studio. He was grinning. Steve and Brian turned to look at Ted, sadly. "I'm sorry, what's wrong?" He saw tears on Steve's face and quickly moved in front of Brian and Steve, dropped to his knees and held the two men in his arms. Brian spoke up, "Ted, we are very worried about Matt since it seems someone must be out to get him. Have you guys heard anything about that?" Slowly Ted shook his head, now very somber, feeling badly about his stupid entrance. "No, Brian, I haven't even heard any talk about that. I think the driver's murder was assumed to be against Brian or maybe even Mike Keith." * * * * * "People, quiet please." The band members stopped talking to listen to Matt. "Folks, tomorrow during this period we will rehearse a bit outside. Since the concert Friday evening will be outside, we need some practice under those conditions. The ability to stay together is much more difficult then, each of you must be more aware of all other instruments and what they are playing. The band managers will have chairs on the lawn between this building and the social sciences building. Because that building is so tall, that will help project our sound toward the audience on the campus oval lawn. "However, we need each of you to bring your stand, music and instrument outside to that location. If it is raining, heaven forbid, we will practice inside and take our chances on Friday. "Are there any questions?" He nodded at the first hand up in the air. "Yes, Jamal." "What is the dress for the concert?" Matt chose to be silly, "Gee, Jamal, any dress that fits you and doesn't reveal toooo much would be fine." He saw Jamal was embarrassed under his dark tan skin tone. Laughing was at Jamal's expense, but he was good about it. His self-image was so high he wouldn't resent it. "I'm sorry, Jamal, I should have resisted, but just couldn't." He turned to the group, "We will wear leisure clothes. HOWEVER, no shirts with slogans or other wording or pictures on them. I would appreciate NO shorts unless they reach your calves. OK?" He was musing, "AND, I don't want any boxers or other underwear visible at all by anyone, male or female." He made one last urgent issue, "If you are unsure about a certain outfit, don't wear it!!" "See you tomorrow," and they were dismissed. * * * * * A husky young man, a youngish 25-30 years old, walked the Windsor College campus, sauntering between buildings and green space. He looked to have a decent shape, but was no body builder or sports athlete. Dark brown hair and eyes of the same hue. The young man, he could have easily been taken for a student, but didn't seem to have a particular goal, but just ambled from one building to another, one area of campus to a similar one. He didn't concentrate on any special building or place but just moseyed along. Looking closely, one would see the sharp eyes, and the intelligence behind them, maybe even some slightly sinister designs in there. His face stayed blank, no special expression on it, though occasionally one side of his mouth raised in a semi-smile. His keen eyes darted from one view to another, assessing his needs and possible escape routes. One building that particularly attracted him was the Social Sciences building next to the music building. Walking on the lawn between them, he noticed marking on the grass, sprayed on white dust which seemed like flour which would disappear with the first rain. It took him a while before he convinced his mind what the markings were for. They were for Friday night. The tall man reached the entrance to the SocSci building where he entered quietly and walked to the stairs. There was an elevator, but he wanted to scan each floor as he went up. On the fifth and top floor he entered a room on the east side, facing the low music building, just two floors except for the auditorium. He could see the white marks on the lawn, ever widening semi- circles arranged within each other, similar to a rainbow. This man checked a few characteristics about the room, first making sure that the windows would open, then finding the second door in the room led to a large closet which held a good store of cleaning supplies, including a few uniforms on hangers hanging from the hooks on the back of the door. He smiled, lightly banged on fist into his other palm, satisfied with the setup. * * * * * Matt and Hardy were in the kitchen of the farm house, fixing supper for their 'family'. Steve was still showing Brian some of his recent sculptures, mostly animal figures from around the farm land, pastures and barns. "When you are finished peeling those potatoes, Hardy, would you slice them for country fried spuds, please." "Sure, Matt, I love those." Hardy found a knife in the utility drawer and preceded to slice the ten potatoes. "Boy, Matty, our dear 'family' sure eats a lot, as much as an army." He laughed, "And, I think, Todd and Roger eat more that the rest of us put together. You'd think they would put on an ounce or two." He turned to face Matt, "But no, they look at great as ever and even more sexy. How do they do it?" At that point Matt was filleting two large catfish, the farm raised type, hoping it would be enough for the eight of them. He hadn't weighed them, but they felt about three pounds each. With the fried potatoes, cole slaw, dinner rolls and baked apples, that much fish should be fine. Matt had just finished the fish and was washing his hands when the kitchen phone rang. After drying his hands, he picked up the receiver and said 'hello'. "Matt?" "Yes?" "This is David Drumm. You know, at Otterbein University?" "Of course I know, dumb head, I don't forget that easily." "Don't you 'dumb head' me, Dr Ridgway, the man who couldn't remember his Italian lessons." David, the Director of Bands at Otterbein just north of Columbus, snickered, "A little amore con il gentil sesso, gave you enough Italian to pass. What was that girl's name? Maria?" "Okay, okay, Dr. Drumm, that's enough. I've just finished filleting fish for supper for the human animals at the Dukes' Ranch. What' up?" Matt and David had enjoyed a close friendship while in graduate school, and while David knew Matt was gay, he was not bothered by it, even though he was straight. They remained good friends. "Matt, have you read your Ohio Fine Arts Education Association magazine for this month, it just came out and should have been in your mail." Matt turned to Hardy, "Hardy, see if you can find the OFATA magazine. Thanks." "What's in it that I should read, Dave? Something wild?" David's hesitation concerned Matt, wondering why he had called. "You have to read it for yourself, I can't do it, my friend." "Here it is, Matt," Hardy rushed back with the magazine. "What page is it on, Dave?" Matt was quickly becoming panicked. Turning to the page Dave mentioned, Matt started reading. "Oh, my god, what the hell is going on here. This is a joke, isn't it, Dave? Please tell me it is." "Matt, I'm so sorry, I never looked at that page when the magazine was being set up. If I had, I would have investigated. I can only guess that your Music Department head, Dr. Powers, has been having his revenge." "David, I appreciate your call, but I must get this meal on the table. I have to do some research here, could you see what you can find out there in Columbus? I'd appreciate it." "Okay, Matt, talk to you later. Sorry." "Thanks." Matt's face was white, ashen, and Hardy became very worried since Matt hadn't moved or spoken when the call was over. "What is it, Matt, what is in the magazine? Tell me please." Hardy moved in front of Matt, holding him in his arms. "Matty, tell me." Hardy's golden curls contrasted with Matt's darker blond waves as he placed his cheek against his lover's. Finally, Matt shook his head, "I'm sorry, Hardy, but I'm unable to believe what has been printed, and it affects you, too, I'm regret saying." He looked around the kitchen, the various courses of their meal waiting to be finished. "Hardy, put the magazine away, we'll look at it together after dinner, okay?" Hardy was reluctant to do that, but did as his lover requested. "Woofie, let's feed the animals." He smiled at his younger lover, his delight and life. This young man always had a therapeutic effect on his older mate, easing tensions and calming nerves. * * * * * Since dinner was over and the others either had studies to do, napping like Brian and Ted, or somewhere to go, Matt and Hardy met in the den, a strong drink in their hands. "Hardy, would you shut the door, then read this page in the magazine." Matt turned the pages to the one he wanted. "Right here, Woofie." Hardy sat next to Matt, folded the magazine and started reading. "CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT OF OHIO FINE ARTS TEACHERS ASSOCIATION" The first candidate to be introduced is Dr. Matthew B. Ridgway, Associate Professor of Music at Windsor College, Windsor, Ohio. He received his doctorate from University of Ohio in Columbus last year while teaching in high school there. His high school groups received Superior ratings in all contests. Dr. Ridgway is an expert in the effects of high school band participation on students, and the future rewards. Dr. Ridgway lives in Windsor with his partner, Hardy Wolfe, a member of the Columbus Wolfe family, and one of the state's finest trombonists. He is enrolled as a graduate student under Dr. Ridgway at Windsor College where they first met. Matthew Ridgway has recently sued University Printing Office and was awarded a seven figure amount for non-payment of earnings from his popular book. Hardy's father recently died in his office of an accident and his exact inheritance is not known but will be in the seven figure range when he is twenty-five in two years. Matthew and Hardy are restoring the old Anthony farmhouse near Windsor to its original Victorian architecture and are adding some modern conveniences and amenities. They hope to open up the house for guests as a bed and breakfast sometime in the future. Dr. Ridgway originated the idea for the Dukes and Duchess of Windsor, a quintet of brass instrumentalists who present a unique musical format generating quite a popularity, especially among college students. There are rumors that the Dukes will perform at the White House this summer. Dr. Ridgway is a candidate for the position of Head of Music Department of Windsor College. There will be other candidates for the position. Best wishes for success to Matthew Ridgway and his mate, Hardy Wolfe. + + + + + By the time Hardy had finished reading, he was as ashen as Matt had been. Matt knew he was so furious that he was near tears of frustration. "Matty, what can we do?" he pleaded with his lover. "Right off, Woofie, I don't know. First, though, we will find out if it was Dr. Powers who sent this in. Then we will find out why no one on the magazine staff had raised a question or two, such as, 'Has Dr. Ridgway given his permission for the nomination.'" Matt turned to hug Hardy, "You know I love you more than anything, but I never wanted it to be published like this. I think the first thing we better do is go see Gary. I'd like to sue the pants off Powers and everyone on the magazine, but that would just widen the knowledge of the situation. Let's see what Gary would say." "Okay, Matt." * * * * * Matt and Hardy sat on the couch in Gary's bedroom-office and waited while Gary read the magazine page on nominations for election. They still couldn't believe that Powers would do that, but they realized that Matt had pissed him off more than once. Before they had gone to Gary, Matt had called David Drumm at Otterbein University. David responded, "Matt, I've tried to find out who sent it in, but some people are stonewalling the whole subject. It is possible if you went to court, you might find out, but I don't suppose you want to do that." "I've thought about it and we are consulting our lawyer as we speak. I think we have to be slicker than that. I see the editor is still the same guy, maybe if I hit him with a multi-million dollar suit, he might see the right thing to do." David answered, "I don't think you want to do that, Matt. The publicity would not be what you'd like. And you might not win anyway. Well, see what your lawyer says, then call me back. Okay?" "Sure, Dave, talk later. Bye" Gary cleared his throat, "Matt, Hardy, this is a tough one. I assume your friend recommended against a law suit. He could be right. There are a number of factors." Matt broke in. "I can think of a factor right away, the nominations committee would not have accepted the nomination if I hadn't sent it in and signed it. That I did not do. So, someone has signed my name to a nomination application to the committee. Just like someone did when my application was sent in to play for the Conference. My friend David said he thinks that the responsible people are getting behind an iron curtain of irresponsibility." "Matt, do you know anyone of influence who might get to the bottom of this?" "Well, I do know the president of the Association fairly well, he's always seemed like one of the 'good guys' and I hope he will be now." Gary held up his hand. "My first suggestion would be for you to visit him, both of you, in person in Columbus since I assume that's where he is." He clicked a finger, "Let's look for Brian and see how soon he could get his helicoptor here. Okay?" "Yeah!", both of them said at once. Just to be sure, Matt checked with the president's office and found he would be away for the next week, but back on the 29th. Matt hadn't said who he was so that wouldn't have affected the answer. Then he checked with David Drumm who also called the president's office receiving the same answer. They would have to wait. On his own in his room, Matt called the editor of the magazine whom he knew slightly. "Hi, this is Matt Ridgway, Fred, I have one question for you. I'd like to know who sent in the application for me to enter the election this year." "You did, Matt, I have the application right here." "Fred, I'm telling you right now, I did not send in any application. What you have there is a forgery." Fred was slow to answer. "I'm afraid that's all I can say, Matt." "Also, why did you print what you did without at least contacting me before you put it in?" "I can't answer." "Well, Fred, I think you will answer when I start the law suit and have my lawyers send a subpoena for you to appear in court. Do you want that? Or can we settle it here, right now?" "Matt, I'm sorry, but you'll have to ask the president." Matt broke in, "Who so timely took a week off. Wonder when that decision was made?" He continued, "Fred, you better warn all your buddies that I'm mad, I'm not some half-assed shit-for-brains teacher you can push around. You have made a bad enemy, Fred, which you will find out soon. That article about me and Hardy was out and out libel, though subtle, which you should have thought about before publishing. Better get your lawyer on the ball, you'll need him." Matt wished he wasn't using his cell phone because then he could have slammed the receiver down hard, maybe break it. He knew he shouldn't have said all that, but that little piss- ant really grabbed his balls and jerked hard. Matt also knew he better get Brian on this. Now! * * * * * The sound of the Windsor College Concert Band drifted through the warm air in the final piece in their first Pops Concert of the Spring. Eighty-five band members were arranged in concentric semi-circles on the lawn between the music building and the SocSci Building, facing the Oval lawn in the center of the campus. Though the evening was warm, a slight crispness of the cooling night air had the audience on blankets, pulling part of their blanket over themselves in self defense. Since Hardy wasn't a member of the Concert Band, he was standing behind the band, watching Matt, ready to help him if he signaled. During the performance, Hardy watched all around the area, attentive and alert, wanting to be aware of all that goes on. During the brief intermission, he noticed a dark haired young man, well set up, walk behind the crowd then enter the SocSci building through the front doors. Later Hardy would remember wondering at the time about the building being unlocked at that time of the evening. About twenty minutes later, Hardy noticed another dark haired young man walk quickly past the crowd, more hurriedly than the first man. This second man seemed more agitated than the first though his facial expression was calm. * * * * * The first man climbed the stairs inside the SocSci building quickly, aiming for the fifth floor, the highest floor. He kept a regular rhythm in his steps, not stopping nor speeding up, just a steady tip-tap-tip on the cement risers. By the time he reached the top, he was breathing a bit heavier and faster, but still concentrating on his goal, the room on the fifth floor. He entered the room on the east side of the building, reached in his pocket to produce a key which he slid into the closet door lock. In the storage closet he picked up a narrow three foot long case, square in shape with two handles, one on the end, the other on the side. Kneeling by the window, he could see the band below him, still playing, spread out with Matt Ridgway on his podium, raised up about a foot. He opened the case and pulled out his rifle. The second young man knew he was late, he hoped not too late. He followed the first man into the building and up the stairs. As he passed the third floor, he removed his shoes so he wouldn't make noise on the cement. He had a good idea just where the first man might be located. Back on the stairs the second man continued up the stairs to the fifth floor. He was scared, afraid he'd be too late. He knew the first man, knew he was very good. Now the second man moved more slowly with stealth as he searched to determine where the first man was. He was nervous, breathing short, rapid breaths. There were only a few rooms which would have a good view of the target, and he found the first man by peeking around the nearest door jamb. He had been listening to the band's performance, realizing the final number was almost over. This is it, he decided. He squared himself in the doorway and yelled, "Drop that gun!" The next nanoseconds of events were sudden and violent, too swift to be tracked by anyone. As the last notes sounded and the applause began, the second man yelled, throwing the first man completely off his firing routine. The first man fired quickly, started to turn his gun on the second man. Karl did what he had to do, he dashed across the room to tackle the first man, whose name happened to be 'Red'. Karl had seen Red enter the SocSci building, knowing the guy was a sniper and up to no good. Red just got his rifle turned and hit Karl on the head hard with the butt of the rifle. Many people on the ground witnessed that happening, particularly Hardy who took off racing to the SocSci building. Hardy had not seen Matt fall flat to the ground, or the first chair flutist drop her flute and fall off her chair to the lawn. Hardy started up the stairs as fast as he could take them but didn't meet anyone on the way up. He decided to go to the top, then go lower if necessary. Fortunately, he found a still body in the first room on the floor. When he saw it was Karl, he knelt beside him, taking his pulse. The whole band rose as a body gasping, groaning with shock, looking at their leader lying on the grass along with their flutist friend,, no one knowing just what happened or the result. A doctor from the audience rushed to the band area and the director's position. Write Paul at dukesofwindsor@juno.com * * * * * Turning The Page Some characters in this story have been drawn from my first book, Turning The Page, Nifty/Adult Friends/August 13, 2002. It is not necessary to read that book first, but it would give you a background for The Dukes and Duchess of Windsor.